Bird Houses Boys Can Build Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is the name of the 1916 book that provides a comprehensive guide to building birdhouses?

A Bird’s Eye View
Bird Houses Boys Can Build
The Birdhouse Builder’s Handbook
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

Correct Answer: Bird Houses Boys Can Build

Correct Answer Explanation: This book was written by Albert F. Siepert and published in 1916. It aimed to teach boys practical skills in woodworking and construction while also encouraging them to appreciate birds and their habitats.

What type of bird is known for its preference for nesting boxes with a small entrance hole placed high off the ground?

Robin
Wren
Bluebird
Flicker

Correct Answer: Bluebird

Correct Answer Explanation: Bluebirds are known for their preference for nesting boxes with a small entrance hole placed high off the ground. This helps to protect their young from predators and competition from other bird species.

What type of wood is considered ideal for building birdhouses because of its weather resistance?

Oak
Pine
Cedar
Walnut

Correct Answer: Cedar

Correct Answer Explanation: Cedar is a type of wood known for its resistance to rot and decay, making it an ideal choice for building birdhouses that will last for many years.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a food source to attract birds to your yard?

Cracked Corn
Oats
Sunflower seeds
Peanuts

Correct Answer: Peanuts

Correct Answer Explanation: While peanuts can be a good source of nutrition for some birds, it is not recommended to feed them to birds in your yard. Peanuts are a choking hazard for some birds, and they can also attract rodents.

What invasive bird species is mentioned as a threat to native birds in the book?

House Finch
Blue Jay
English Sparrow
Mockingbird

Correct Answer: English Sparrow

Correct Answer Explanation: The English sparrow was introduced to North America in the mid-19th century and has since become a widespread invasive species. This species is known for its aggressive behavior and competition with native birds for resources.

According to the book, what type of bird often builds its nest on shelves and prefers open nesting spaces?

Robin
Wren
Bluebird
Flicker

Correct Answer: Robin

Correct Answer Explanation: Robins are known for their preference for open nesting spaces, often choosing to build their nests on shelves, window ledges, or in trees with exposed branches.

What type of structure was built by a St. Paul, Minnesota, boy to house martins?

A replica of a pirate ship
A miniature replica of Peer Gynt’s cottage
A wooden replica of a bird’s nest
A log cabin

Correct Answer: A miniature replica of Peer Gynt’s cottage

Correct Answer Explanation: This story is mentioned as an example of the creative possibilities of birdhouse design. The boy’s birdhouse, inspired by a popular play, demonstrated that birdhouses can be functional and visually appealing.

According to the book, what type of bird prefers to nest in colonies and requires birdhouses with multiple rooms?

Wren
Bluebird
Flicker
Martin

Correct Answer: Martin

Correct Answer Explanation: Martins are social birds that prefer to nest in colonies, often choosing to build their nests in large birdhouses with multiple compartments.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a bird enemy in the book?

Cats
English sparrows
Ants
Snakes

Correct Answer: Snakes

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights the threats posed by cats, English sparrows, and ants, but it does not mention snakes as a major threat to birds in the garden.

What is the name given to a base or stand used to support an object, like a bird bath?

Pedestal
Perch
Platform
Stand

Correct Answer: Pedestal

Correct Answer Explanation: A pedestal is a base or stand used to support an object, like a bird bath, and elevate it off the ground.

What type of material is used to make stucco, a type of plaster used in building?

Cement, sand, and water
Wood shavings, glue, and water
Straw, clay, and water
Brick, mortar, and water

Correct Answer: Cement, sand, and water

Correct Answer Explanation: Stucco is a type of plaster made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It is often used as a decorative and protective coating for walls.

The book mentions an annual event in St. Paul, Minnesota, that attracted thousands of visitors and showcased birdhouses. What was the name of this event?

The St. Paul Birdhouse Exhibition
The St. Paul Birdhouse Festival
The St. Paul Birdhouse Competition
The St. Paul Birdhouse Convention

Correct Answer: The St. Paul Birdhouse Exhibition

Correct Answer Explanation: The St. Paul Birdhouse Exhibition was a popular annual event that showcased birdhouses made by local residents. It demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm for birdhouse building and conservation.

The book mentions a department store contest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where students showcased their birdhouse creations. What type of birdhouse was highlighted in this contest?

The Paint Keg House
The Peer Gynt Cottage
The Mercer Center Project
The Window-Sill Lunch Counter

Correct Answer: The Paint Keg House

Correct Answer Explanation: The Paint Keg House was a simple but effective birdhouse made by a boy who successfully attracted bluebirds to his yard. It was an example of how even a simple and inexpensive birdhouse could attract birds.

The book emphasizes the importance of regularly cleaning birdhouses after the nesting season. Why is cleaning birdhouses important?

It helps to prevent the spread of disease
It makes the birdhouses more attractive to birds
It allows birdwatchers to observe the birds more easily
It keeps the birdhouses from getting dirty

Correct Answer: It helps to prevent the spread of disease

Correct Answer Explanation: Cleaning out birdhouses after the nesting season helps to prevent the spread of disease and parasites. It is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for birds and their young.

According to the book, what type of bird is known for its ability to consume large quantities of ants?

Flicker
Martin
Robin
Bluebird

Correct Answer: Flicker

Correct Answer Explanation: Flickers are known for their diet of ants and other insects, which can be beneficial in controlling ant populations in gardens.

What is the name of the animal fat used as a food source for birds, especially during cold weather?

Suet
Hemp
Grit
Mealworms

Correct Answer: Suet

Correct Answer Explanation: Suet is a type of animal fat that is often used as a food source for birds during the winter months. It provides them with essential energy and nutrients.

According to the book, what type of bird is known to consume cultivated fruits and berries, which can be problematic for gardeners?

House Finch
Downy Woodpecker
Robin
Bluebird

Correct Answer: House Finch

Correct Answer Explanation: House finches are known for their preference for cultivated fruits and berries, which can be a nuisance for gardeners.

What is the name given to the small particles of gravel or sand that birds consume to help grind food in their gizzards?

Grit
Suet
Hemp
Mealworms

Correct Answer: Grit

Correct Answer Explanation: Birds consume grit, small particles of gravel or sand, to help them grind up food in their gizzards.

The book discusses the impact of the English sparrow on native bird populations. According to the book, what was the estimated number of birdhouses produced in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1915?

1,500
5,000
15,000
50,000

Correct Answer: 15,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The book mentions that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, produced an estimated 15,000 birdhouses in 1915. This was an indication of the growing interest in birdhouse building and conservation efforts.

What was the estimated amount of money generated in orders from the St. Paul, Minnesota, birdhouse exhibition in 1916?

$100
$500
$1,000
$5,000

Correct Answer: $1,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The St. Paul, Minnesota, birdhouse exhibition was a popular event that generated significant interest and sales. The book mentions that the exhibition generated over $1,000 in orders in 1916.

What are the recommended internal dimensions for a bluebird house?

4″ x 4″ x 6″
5″ x 5″ x 8″
6″ x 6″ x 10″
7″ x 7″ x 12″

Correct Answer: 5″ x 5″ x 8″

Correct Answer Explanation: The book recommends that bluebird houses have internal dimensions of approximately 5″ x 5″ x 8″, with a 1.5″ diameter entrance hole placed near the top.

The book emphasizes the importance of providing food and water sources for birds. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to provide water for birds?

Bird baths
Water dishes
Water fountains
Water hoses

Correct Answer: Water hoses

Correct Answer Explanation: The book recommends using bird baths, water dishes, and water fountains to provide water for birds. Water hoses are not mentioned as a suitable way to provide water, as they can be dangerous for birds.

Which of the following is NOT a type of birdhouse mentioned in the book?

The Paint Keg House
The Peer Gynt Cottage
The Rustic Birdhouse
The Cement Birdhouse

Correct Answer: The Cement Birdhouse

Correct Answer Explanation: The book discusses a variety of birdhouse designs, including the Paint Keg House, the Peer Gynt Cottage, and rustic birdhouses made from natural materials. It does not mention cement birdhouses.

What is the main purpose of the book “Bird Houses Boys Can Build”?

To teach boys how to build birdhouses and attract birds to their yards
To provide a history of birdhouse building in the United States
To encourage the use of birdhouses to control insect populations
To promote the sale of birdhouses as a commercial enterprise

Correct Answer: To teach boys how to build birdhouses and attract birds to their yards

Correct Answer Explanation: The book was written to teach boys about birdhouse construction, bird species, and environmental conservation. It aimed to inspire a love of nature and encourage a sense of responsibility for protecting birds and their habitats.

According to the book, why is it important to place birdhouses in shaded areas and away from direct wind and rain?

To protect young birds from harsh weather
To make the birdhouses more attractive to birds
To keep the birdhouses from getting dirty
To prevent the birdhouses from being blown down by the wind

Correct Answer: To protect young birds from harsh weather

Correct Answer Explanation: The book suggests that birdhouses should be placed in shaded areas and protected from wind and rain to protect young birds from harsh weather. This helps to ensure the survival of the birds and their young.

The book emphasizes the importance of protecting birds from enemies. According to the book, what is the primary threat posed by English sparrows to native birds?

They eat the same food as native birds
They are aggressive and displace native birds from their nests
They introduce diseases to native birds
They prey on the young of native birds

Correct Answer: They are aggressive and displace native birds from their nests

Correct Answer Explanation: The English sparrow is known for its aggressive behavior and competition with native birds for resources. They often displace native birds from their nests, making it difficult for these birds to reproduce successfully.

The book mentions a story about a boy who built a birdhouse for bluebirds using a modified paint keg. What was the name of the boy in this story?

The name is not mentioned in the book.
The boy’s name was Albert.
The boy’s name was Charles.
The boy’s name was William.

Correct Answer: The name is not mentioned in the book.

Correct Answer Explanation: The book tells the story of a boy who successfully attracted bluebirds to a modified paint keg, but it does not mention his name. The focus is on the success of the simple birdhouse design.

What is the main point emphasized in the book’s concluding chapter?

The importance of building birdhouses
The importance of protecting birds from enemies
The importance of creating a bird-friendly environment
The importance of supporting organizations dedicated to bird conservation

Correct Answer: The importance of creating a bird-friendly environment

Correct Answer Explanation: The book concludes by emphasizing the importance of creating a bird-friendly environment by providing food, water, and shelter for birds. It encourages readers to think beyond just building birdhouses and to consider the broader needs of birds and their habitats.

Which of the following is NOT a type of bird mentioned in the book?

Bluebird
Flicker
Martin
Nightingale

Correct Answer: Nightingale

Correct Answer Explanation: The book focuses on attracting birds commonly found in North America, including bluebirds, flickers, and martins. Nightingales are primarily found in Europe and Asia.

According to the book, what is the name given to a man-made structure designed to provide a safe and suitable nesting place for birds?

Bird house
Bird feeder
Bird bath
Bird shelter

Correct Answer: Bird house

Correct Answer Explanation: The book uses the term “bird house” to refer to a man-made structure designed to provide a safe and suitable nesting place for birds.

The book mentions a variety of bird-friendly elements that can be created in your yard. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a bird-friendly element?

Birdhouse
Bird bath
Food shelter
Window feeder

Correct Answer: Window feeder

Correct Answer Explanation: While window feeders are popular among bird enthusiasts, the book does not specifically mention window feeders as a bird-friendly element. It focuses on birdhouses, bird baths, and food shelters as essential components of a bird-friendly environment.

According to the book, what type of bird is known for its ability to excavate its own nesting cavities in trees?

Downy Woodpecker
Bluebird
Flicker
Wren

Correct Answer: Downy Woodpecker

Correct Answer Explanation: Downy woodpeckers are known for their ability to excavate their own nesting cavities in trees. They use their strong beaks to create holes in trees, which they then use as nesting sites.

According to the book, why are downy woodpeckers considered beneficial birds?

They control insect populations, particularly harmful grubs
They attract other birds to the yard
They help to pollinate plants
They spread seeds to new areas

Correct Answer: They control insect populations, particularly harmful grubs

Correct Answer Explanation: Downy woodpeckers play a vital role in controlling insect populations, particularly harmful grubs. This makes them beneficial to gardeners and farmers.

According to the book, what is the name given to the seasonal movement of animals, like birds, from one region to another?

Migration
Hibernation
Estivation
Breeding season

Correct Answer: Migration

Correct Answer Explanation: Migration is the seasonal movement of animals, like birds, from one region to another. It is often triggered by changes in temperature, food availability, or breeding conditions.

The book highlights the challenges posed by English sparrows, which have become a nuisance due to their aggressive nature and competition with native birds. According to the book, what type of fiber is used as a food source for birds?

Hemp
Cotton
Linen
Silk

Correct Answer: Hemp

Correct Answer Explanation: Hemp is a type of fiber derived from the Cannabis plant, and it is mentioned in the book as a food source for birds.

According to the book, what is the name given to a group of birds that live and nest together in a specific area?

Flock
Colony
Brood
Pack

Correct Answer: Colony

Correct Answer Explanation: A colony is a group of birds that live and nest together in a specific area. Many bird species, such as martins, prefer to nest in colonies.

According to the book, what is the primary reason why it is important to clean out birdhouses after the nesting season?

To prevent the spread of disease
To make the birdhouses more attractive to birds
To allow birdwatchers to observe the birds more easily
To keep the birdhouses from getting dirty

Correct Answer: To prevent the spread of disease

Which of the following is a benefit of building birdhouses using rustic materials, such as slabs of wood with bark left on?

They are more durable and weather-resistant
They are more attractive to birds that prefer natural-looking structures
They are easier to build than birdhouses made from traditional materials
They are less expensive than birdhouses made from traditional materials

Correct Answer: They are more attractive to birds that prefer natural-looking structures

Correct Answer Explanation: Birdhouses built with rustic materials, such as slabs of wood with bark left on, can attract birds that prefer natural-looking structures. This is because these materials blend in better with the natural environment.

According to the book, what type of bird is known for its preference for nesting in hollow gourds?

Wren
Bluebird
Flicker
Martin

Correct Answer: Wren

Correct Answer Explanation: Wrens are known for their preference for nesting in a variety of structures, including tin cans, hollow gourds, and specially designed birdhouses. They are adaptable birds that can make homes in a variety of places.

According to the book, what type of bird is known for its preference for nesting boxes placed on trees or fence posts?

Flicker
Robin
Bluebird
Wren

Correct Answer: Flicker

Correct Answer Explanation: Flickers are known for their preference for nesting boxes placed on trees or fence posts. They are often seen excavating holes in trees, but they will also use nesting boxes.

According to the book, why is it important to place bird baths in a safe location, away from predators like cats?

To protect birds from being attacked by predators
To prevent the bird baths from getting dirty
To make the bird baths more attractive to birds
To keep the bird baths from being blown down by the wind

Correct Answer: To protect birds from being attacked by predators

Correct Answer Explanation: Placing bird baths in safe locations, away from predators like cats, is essential for protecting birds. Cats can easily ambush birds that are drinking or bathing.

According to the book, what is the primary benefit of attracting martins to your yard?

They help to control populations of wasps, bugs, and beetles
They help to pollinate plants
They attract other birds to the yard
They help to spread seeds to new areas

Correct Answer: They help to control populations of wasps, bugs, and beetles

Correct Answer Explanation: Martins are beneficial birds that help control populations of wasps, bugs, and beetles. This makes them valuable assets to gardeners and farmers.

The book mentions a variety of stories about people who have successfully attracted birds to their yards by building birdhouses. According to the book, what is the name of the particularly assertive bird who monopolized the food supply, prompting a builder to create additional shelters?

Mabel
Polly
Charlie
Sparky

Correct Answer: Mabel

Correct Answer Explanation: The book tells the story of a builder who created additional food shelters after a particularly assertive bird, named Mabel, monopolized the food supply. This story highlights the need to create ample food sources for birds to avoid competition.

According to the book, what is the primary reason why it is important to protect birds from enemies, such as cats, English sparrows, and ants?

To ensure the survival of bird populations
To prevent birds from becoming a nuisance
To make it easier to attract birds to your yard
To keep birdhouses from getting damaged

Correct Answer: To ensure the survival of bird populations

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of protecting birds from enemies to ensure the survival of bird populations. Predators, competitors, and pests can significantly impact the health and survival of birds.

The book was written in 1916, a time when there was growing awareness of environmental conservation. According to the book, what is the primary reason why it is important to provide a consistent source of water for birds, especially during hot weather?

To help birds stay hydrated and cool
To prevent birds from becoming a nuisance
To make it easier to attract birds to your yard
To keep birdhouses from getting dirty

Correct Answer: To help birds stay hydrated and cool

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights the importance of providing a consistent source of water for birds, especially during hot weather, to help them stay hydrated and cool. Birds can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather, so providing water sources is essential for their survival.

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